Update on the progression of this LN area
A package of measures for this Liveable Neighbourhood (LN) area, based on community feedback and to complement the through-traffic restriction already in place, has now been shortlisted for inclusion in the full business case (FBC) for the LN programme.
The purpose of the FBC is to secure the funds required to develop and install this LN by March 2027, subject to further engagement and detailed designs.
Later in the year, we have formally secured the funds, we will update this page with full details of the proposals and how you can share your views.
The Southlands area in Weston is one of 15 areas in our Liveable Neighbourhoods (LN) programme. It is a residential area located to the north west of Bath City Centre, approximately 2 miles from Bath Spa train station.
About the programme
Liveable Neighbourhoods is a community-led programme that aims to improve residential streets and encourage safe, active and more sustainable forms of travel, such as walking, wheeling and cycling.
Typical improvements suggested by communities are:
- Better crossings, footways and cycle lanes to connect homes with shops, schools and community hubs
- Traffic-calming measures to tackle anti-social driving, speeding and inconsiderate parking
- Pleasant places for people to sit and meet others outside
Find out more about LNs and their benefits
Our approach
Our role is to support communities to develop their own LNs, engaging with them at every stage of development. We want to hear from a diverse range of people to ensure the final designs meet everyone’s needs.
Our approach to developing LNs
Development of this LN
- In Autumn 2020, we asked residents across the district how they felt about LNs, and 48 communities then applied to become a LN, via ward councillors.
- In June 2021, we prioritised 15 areas where development of LNs could start (this included Southlands).
- In December 2021, we asked for your feedback on what was good about the area, what transport-related issues you experience, and what improvements would make the most impact.
- In Spring/Summer 2022, we then held a series of co-design workshops where residents prioritised the measures they wanted to see included (see Co-design outcomes below).
- In November 2022, we launched a through-traffic restriction trial on Southlands ahead of the wider programme (see below).
- During 2023, we shortlisted these proposals, taking costs and practicalities into consideration.
View our full project development timeline which includes links to the relevant reports.
Out of the 1,625 responses submitted as part of our public engagement in December 2021, 67 people commented on the Southlands area. Below is a summary of what people said:
What is good about the area?
- 34 said 'strong community spirit'
- 31 said 'close to shops and services'
- 11 said 'safe and healthy envrionment'
What issues are experienced?
- 28 said 'through traffic'
- 25 said 'not enough space for wheeling, walking or cycling'
- 21 said 'speeding traffic'
- 16 said school run traffic'
- 12 said 'parking'
- 10 said 'poor facilities for disabled people'
What measures could improve the area?
- 30 said 'a restriction on through traffic or HGVs'
- 15 said 'new pedestrian crossings'
- 14 said 'new or wider footways'
- 14 said 'new or improved cycle lanes'
- 10 said 'trees and planting'
We held a workshop on 22 June 2022 with residents who expressed an interest in co-developing the Southlands area LN.
Attendees took part in a series of exercises to identify what they liked about the area, what could be improved, and what specific measures could help, plotting these on a map of the area.
To see the maps and the longlist of ideas suggested by the community, please view the following report.
Our partner Sustrans is helping to broaden our engagement by involving people in the community with different and seldom-heard voices. During co-design, they visited youth and community groups to gather their feedback.
View Sustrans' workshop report
In August 2022, attendees were invited back to review the outcomes of the workshop and prioritise their ideas, focusing on the original application area. Go to ‘Recommendations for design' for more information.
Southlands through-traffic restriction trial
Due to the support expressed for through-traffic restrictions in several locations, we progressed three schemes ahead of the wider LN programme in 2022. This included a through-traffic restriction trial on Southlands for a minimum of six months (from November 2022). During this time, we monitored any traffic and air quality impacts and gathered the views of residents and the wider public.
Careful consideration was then given to all the evidence collected during the trial and, in January 2024, a decision was made by the Cabinet Member for Highways to make it permanent. This decision has been called-in for further considerations during February 2024, and updates will be provided in due course.
Learn more about this trial and its outcomes
Recommendations for design
We have shortlisted the community’s priorities for the wider Southlands area against a range of criteria, including costs and practicalities.
View the recommended shortlist, recommendation criteria, and workshop prioritisation reports
Artist’s impression of the proposed ramp to replace the steep steps between Southlands and the High Street shops
Next steps
We are preparing a full business case (FBC) for the LN programme to establish funding priorities. This will be submitted to the West of England Combined Authority in spring 2024.
We will engage the public on the overall design once the FBC has been approved.
View the project development timeline
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Contact us
If you would like to talk to an advisor, get involved in the LN programme or be kept up to date on future events, email us at LNs@bathnes.gov.uk, or call 01225 39 40 25 (and request a call-back from a team member)
Please also let us know if you need this information in easy-read or an alternative format.